Connecting with My Inner California Girl at Hotel Californian
For my first trip to California, I knew there was only one city and, more importantly, one hotel that I wanted to explore: Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara. Recently acquired by the Foley Entertainment Group and part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the hotel features indoor-outdoor Spanish Colonial and Moroccan-inspired architecture, a five-star spa, upscale dining options and a new wine tasting room. I certainly felt like I stayed in laidback royal luxury, much like the area’s famous real royal residents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Surrounded by the stunning scenery of what is often referred to as “the American Riviera,” and nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, filled with stores, art galleries and restaurants, this family-owned hotel is the perfect mix of both effortless coolness and comfortable chic.
This 121-room hotel, spread out amongst a few downtown buildings across the street from each other, and just a short walk up to the beach and Wharf, hosts Hollywood elite and guests from around the world. Celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard adds a distinct Moroccan ambiance, with special attention given to the décor and unique ceilings. Combining history with real California vibes, Hotel Californian is ideal for staycations, romantic getaways, spa stays, weddings, and yes, California virgins! Their variety of rooms and suites are all spacious and of course, stylish, with special touches and textures throughout. Most rooms also offer oversized balconies, while their A-list Alcazar Suite encompasses over 1700 square feet of stunning furnishings, original artwork and even your own kitchen. Privately situated and with your own staircase, feel like the celebrity you are sure to bump into for drinks at Djinn later in the night.
The Santa Ynez mountains of Santa Barbara serve as a most impressive backdrop for the outdoor activities available, from sailing to horseback riding on the beach, plus winery tours, and celebrity
home sightings just a short drive away in Montecito. The hotel also has a wellness-inspired building, with a fitness area, an outdoor pool overlooking the beach, and a five-star Majorelle spa, where you are instantly transported to serenity upon being welcomed with distinctly Moroccan blue tiles typically found in the windows, tiles and doors of Marrakesh. Feeling your best is, after all, a key component of Hotel Californian, where you should leave more refreshed and balanced than when you arrived. Indulge in a range of customized massages, facials, men’s services and blowouts. The spa is also introducing a members-only spa experience, where frequent visitors can get monthly treatments, food options and special pricing.
They also take their food and beverage programs seriously, with unique events which are popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Get in touch with your supernatural side – and some seriously creative cocktails – at the recently reintroduced HOWL @ Djinn full-moon event series, where the hotel’s eccentric library, named after genies from Moroccan folklore, offers mystic libations, a Tarot card and Runes reader, and vinyl spun by Val-Mar. Legendary mixologist master Devon Espinosa unveils a new full-moon-inspired beverage at every event that reflects that particular month’s lunar cycle. Whenever you decide to stop by, Djinn always has must-try cocktails, including the Bright Idea and Puff, Puff, Pass, all served up with fun presentations.
This urban luxury resort is excited to welcome guests to their newly opened wine tasting room, The Society: State & Mason. Well, almost as excited as I was to try a tasting of some of their popular selections paired with exquisite bites. This intimate space, where you can stop by for a glass – or three – or book their private tasting room, has dedicated programming including wine education classes, exclusive events and more. They also showcase labels from across the Foley Family Wines portfolio, something the Foley daughters take pride in. With deep roots in the Santa Barbara area, Foley Entertainment Group Chairman and hotel owner Bill Foley brings a local feel and taste to the area which serves his own neighbors.
Wake up to California’s freshest cold-pressed juices, matcha tea and coffee drinks, plus pastries and casual (but super tasty) brunch bites at Goat Tree. Named for real Moroccan goat trees, literal ones – where real goats stand on the trees – the café offers all-day fare and indoor and outdoor seating.
Savor the best of the Santa Barbara culinary scene with seasonally-inspired plates at Blackbird, where you will find sustainable fish, meat and vegetables, plus regional beers and an extensive wine menu. Newly available this summer, the hotel has just launched a new monthly Winemaker Dinner series at Blackbird, featuring exquisite wines paired with a four-course meal curated and prepared by Hotel Californian Executive Chef Travis Watson for a contemporary upscale dining experience like no other.
After my Hotel Californian getaway, I don’t want to be anything but a California girl.
